Building my dream

Study & Dining Room

2009-06-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Rain Chains

2009-06-13T09:11:00.001-07:00

The rain chains arrived! They attach to the gutters and replace downspouts by slowing the water down and then the water collects in a basin that attaches to the last chain link. It is mesmerizing to watch the water flow down the fish's mouth, out the tail, down the chain, and then to the next fish's mouth. It's soothing and fun to watch.

(that's Bob, probably looking at the bill for all those fish!)

BIG NEWS

2009-04-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to check out our very BIG NEWS!!! We are going to be building a Net Zero Hydrogen fuel cell and Solar Photovoltaic Home here at The Ridge at Chukker Creek. Look on the first page of our web site for all the details. It is truly amazing!!!!

Koi fish sink

2009-04-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Had fun with the powder room. The sink has two koi fish engraved in the bowl. We found a nice piece of granite that looks like a mottled koi fish pond with flecks that resemble fish scales.

That tub

2009-04-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

I wish this tub manufacturer would hire me to advertise this tub! I just love it! It's worth every dime. It is so comfortable and has really great lines and curves inside and out. They named it "Picasso" for good reason. ( Window shades are scheduled to arrive Tues. yahoo!)

Whirlwind is over

2009-04-05T13:07:00.001-07:00

My mother always says that "time flies by" when you are having fun and as usual, she is right. Jan. Feb. & March had us traveling with LiveSouth Realty Shows to DC, Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston. We met some very nice folks who are tired of the cold winters and rat race up North and are coming to visit us. In between shows we have had a lot of visitors from out of town and also locally. We also have some great new neighbors from CA who purchased the beautiful homesite next to ours. Welcome Matt & Doreen! You are going to love living here!

Porch Ceiling

2009-01-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

I really like the interesting angles on the porch ceiling.

Floors

2009-01-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Bennie is laying the floors -white oak random width. Edwin will be sanding and staining.

Sound Proofing

2009-01-17T11:43:00.001-08:00

We are sound proofing the inside of house with recycled blue jeans. Especially good for laundry room and powder room.

Insulation

2009-01-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Why Air Tight Spray Foam? It is the most versatile energy efficient insulation available today. Not only is it the only product on the market that has an aged R-Value of 6.8 per inch (two times all other products) but it also adds tremendous structural integrity and creates a total air and vapor barrier at the same time. It will reduce energy consumption 50% and by adding an HVAC system taylored for the load calculations, will create superior indoor air quality.

Spraying Airtight Insulation

2009-01-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Taking Shape

2009-01-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Beauty Cap

2009-01-04T13:04:00.001-08:00

Around December 20th I thought I saw St. Nick up on the roof but it turned out to be the installer for the beauty cap.

Outdoor Mantel

2009-01-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

This is our neighbor Dan Johnson. Dan is a very talented woodworker. The picture on the bottom shows him putting a note in a secret compartment that he made in the mantel. The story describes the type of wood (white oak) the age (around 100 yrs.) that it was milled on the property and recyled to look beautiful again.

chimney

2008-11-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

Roof for Christmas

2008-11-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

Talked to the roofers today - they said we should have the roof finished by Christmas.

Metal roof

2008-11-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Roof parts got delivered -then the rain came pouring down-2 inches -two days in a row. I am looking forward to this coming week because the sun will return and roofing will be started along with the hardie plank siding.

Grading

2008-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Bob walking in our soon to be driveway. Grading is important to create a nice look and also to help move water away from the house foundation.

new mantle

2008-10-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Ron (in middle) had really neat idea to use a beautiful piece of white oak from a tree he had milled from this property and recycle it for the outdoor mantle.

Kitchen

2008-10-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

This kitchen is actually a "box" inside the house. Looking straight in, the kitchen sink will be in the middle and glass cabinets will frame it.

Cabinets

2008-09-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Do you know how many drawer pulls exist that cry out for your attention? Fortunately, I have a dear and talented friend, Gladys Olson who is my interior designer. It has helped to ease the stress in the decision making process (it can be stressful because you want the end product to look like a million dollars while staying as close to the builder's allowances as possible). Denise at the cabinet center has been helpful, showing me samples (I am very visual and like to see cabinets, finishes, drawers, etc.,) she also lets me know what is and what isn't in the allowance. We are going to do a really special powder room with an interesting glass vessel sink with koi fish engraved on the outside-don't want to give away secrets now but I promise to show you pictures. Gladys and I made a quick trip to the paint store for samples which got me very excited imagining how it will all be coming together soon.

John's Professional Advice

2008-09-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

John Timmerman(in the green shirt at bottom of stairs) gave me some great advice from being in the contruction business for many years.....he said it really makes the workers feel appreciated if every once in a while you bring them some breakfast biscuits, snacks, a cold drink on a warm summer day..... I am telling you how right he is! The framers built a great set of temporary stairs that makes it so much easier getting into my new home. No more walking up a sandy, slippery, shakey ramp or stepping on overturned buckets:) Everyone walking into the house says how good the framing is. Thanks guys. I really do appreciate your hard work!

Plumbing

2008-09-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Time to pick out plumbing. Went to a very nice plumbing supply store. Do they have some beautiful new products! Great displays. Found the neatest free-standing soaking tub for the master bath. It is called "Picasso" and looks like a boat. Next week cabinets.

Framing

2008-08-31T12:10:00.001-07:00

I saw this plan in Southern Living magazine a few years ago and put it in my "dream house" file. I kept being drawn to this home for so many reasons. I love all of the glass and I think the porches are going to be enjoyed by everyone who visits. This homesite is such a special spot too. It sits up high, has many beautiful hardwood trees on it, and there always seems to be such a pleasant breeze. I am looking forward to enjoying a roaring fire burning in the outdoor fireplace and having friends over for good food and libations!

Foundation

2008-08-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Foundation: A solid ground or base on which a building rests. Starting point. Creation, origination.

In my profession as a real estate agent in master -planned communities for the past 9 years, I have had the privilege of being a "match-maker" that is, getting to know my customers (by really listening to their needs and wishes) and then helping them find just the right spot to build their dream home. Now it is my turn and I am so excited! Our ideal homesite is in Solstice Meadow which connects to The Ridge at Chukker Creek by our Freeman Preserve. The land is just beautiful, the concept of our community so unique.... I look forward to sharing my experiece with you all and who knows, we could be neighbors some day! Susan.

The Beginning!

2008-08-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

From The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus

Home: Place where one lives; fixed residence. Members of a family collectively; ones family background. Native land. As far as possible. At ease, as if in one's own home (make yourself at home). Refuge. Shelter. Comfortable. Relaxed. Welcoming.